Changes at Pukekohe

[smokin'joe]

Originally Posted by RogerH

I wonder if the use (over use?) of concrete barriers has anything to do with the fact that they were part of the assets taken over by AV8s when Hamilton folded.
As I understand it, AV8s put in a "financial contribution" to Pukekohe in the ATEED (Auckland Council) deal and no doubt part of that "financial contribution" was the value of the Hamilton Street Race concrete barriers. The result has been that a purpose built circuit (Pukekohe) has been at least partially turned into a quasi street circuit primarily because AV8s had the concrete barriers and needed to have them used as part of their "contribution" to the Pukekohe upgrade package.

i just hope they cun out before they see the need to line the Esses with them to stop the apex being cut

[Chappelli]

The placement certainly is interesting isn't it.... I would have thought the first area in need of a barrier re-contour was the inside of the track, where Jones, Anderson et al have gone square into the barrier that separates pitlane...

Can't help but think if we're going to see more cars coming back onto the track with the way the barriers are now....

I'm also starting to think of the countless numbers of cars I've seen go wide at the top, use the grass and safely rejoin..... now there's a wall there.

[Tourer]

It is surprising, no doubt about it. The use of the concrete walling makes sense in many ways but right on the track edge is a strange one. On street circuits it's the norm due mainly to lack of room for runoff, alignments - stuff like that. On a permanent track it's weird.

Being the type of blocks they are they can of course move under impact, or even crack / break which has happened before - might mean repair delays. I think someone suggested earlier that this setup is for the V8s and that the blocks can be removed for other forms of racing if needed - that might provide a good solution for wider use. Only question in my mind if it's done that way is where the concrete wall down the straight to turn 1 joins the existing wall at the "mountain" and how that'll all work.

Track's certainly getting a substantial makeover isn't it?

[MacrosNZ]

Highlands are doing something similar through their forest part I think..

[flyingduck]

Originally Posted by Chappelli

The placement certainly is interesting isn't it.... I would have thought the first area in need of a barrier re-contour was the inside of the track, where Jones, Anderson et al have gone square into the barrier that separates pitlane...

Can't help but think if we're going to see more cars coming back onto the track with the way the barriers are now....

I'm also starting to think of the countless numbers of cars I've seen go wide at the top, use the grass and safely rejoin..... now there's a wall there.

I agree Chappelli, seems they are solving problems that haven't happened often and not solving the major issues that have happened many times.

[Alpina107]

Originally Posted by MacrosNZ

Highlands are doing something similar through their forest part I think..

That would make sense - some of those trees are awefully close to the track.

[HProject]

For those on Facebook, here's a current set of pics on the most recent updates. Control tower looking swanky. Good little round-up.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...4334513&type=1

[Goat Boy]

Looking pretty good, although it doesn't look like they're replacing the worn out old bleachers on Ford Mountain...

[NZSTfan]

Its funny as i have been to Hamilton quite a few times over the last few weeks. Normally at this time of year the street circuit is underway and its all very exciting in the Tron.

Now all you see is truck after truck with barriers, over-passes, cage structures etc heading north to their new home.

Are those pit facilities actually going to be garages (like at HD) or just pit bays?

And yeah, have to agree the control tower does look nice

[Alpina107]

Originally Posted by NZSTfan

Are those pit facilities actually going to be garages (like at HD) or just pit bays?

From what I understand, there will be marquees underneath for the pits and more marquees on top for the hospitality - pretty much the same as before. So, not real garages like Manfeild or Hampton Downs or Taupo or....

Q: With all of the area behind the pits now levelled off to allow transporters or containers to line up behind each pit, where are they going to put the stairs to get onto the upper level?

[Samwhk]

Hey Guys,

Just looking at getting our tickets for the V8SC event. Does anyone know what sort of viewing access around the track we will have with general admission tickets, or are we best to get grandstand tickets. All the grandstand seats are fully reserved, so once you choose your grandstand and pay for the ticket, that's where you're going to be for the event. I guess you can still wander around the same as a GA ticket though? Any recommendations are welcome, thanks, Sam.

[Chappelli]

What's with building a massively tall timing building? Loks like it'll block the view to the back straight...... and I can't see any reason why you need to have it that tall?

[Swedish Brick]

Maybe they need a set amount of space and option up was more favorable than option out

[HProject]

A video has popped-up of the rFactor mod of the new Pukekohe circuit. Quite interesting. I'm not convinced either way yet on whether it'll be a decent passing opportunity or not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgAO6j1Hamg

[socram]

Originally Posted by Chappelli

What's with building a massively tall timing building? Loks like it'll block the view to the back straight...... and I can't see any reason why you need to have it that tall?

At a guess, this is to replace the existing race control which is currently up in the stands, as the race controller is far better off having a direct view of the whole track rather than relying on other means of communication, which as we all know, can be suspect.
Communicating directly with race control is very difficult when it is so remote.

Until there is a race control building at HD, we have the problem of not only crossing the track, but also gaining access to the apartment where race control is sited! A commentator inside the track at the moment cannot see any more than the average spectator either.

[NZSTfan]

Originally Posted by HProject

A video has popped-up of the rFactor mod of the new Pukekohe circuit. Quite interesting. I'm not convinced either way yet on whether it'll be a decent passing opportunity or not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgAO6j1Hamg

Well that is interesting, and the youtube blurb suggest a lap of just over the 1 minute mark.

I know its just a simulation but the exit out of that corner doesn't look right, but the resultant entry into the hairpin looks good. I think that chicane could have been designed slightly better IMHO, but i am not Mark Skaife!!

[Chris - Melb]

Video of Greg Murphy's view of all the track changes at Pukekohe: http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Greg-Mu...2/Default.aspx

[Tourer]

Here's a release with Murph's views:

http://v8supercars.com.au/news/murph...kekohe-circuit

[socram]

There is something on TV1 in a couple of minutes.

[Armco Bender]

Murphs happy.......then were all happy.

[Martin Collins]

Whincup has just been doing some media rides around Pukekohe in a Red Bull race car. Sounded great to have them back on Puke and the new track flows real nice. Its gunna be good!

[GT 86]

Good feed back Martin and glad they sound good. Its what the neighbours say is where the issue is.

[bluespur]

V8SC have traditionally been quiet

I would be more concerned with some of the GT1 Sports Saloons

[FAS33]

love this track, cant wait

[Armco Bender]

4 x Sprint races....should be interesting.